Assistive Devices Make Independent Living Easier

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Assistive Devices Make Independent Living Easier

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=49478

Nobody says the physical changes of growing older come easy. (Or

living with CMT! ~ GG)That doesn't mean you can't still do it your

way -- with a little help from assistive devices.

The August issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource shares tips and

tools to make daily chores safer and more convenient.

Kitchen cart: A cart on wheels is a good way to transport many items

at a once, such as moving items from a cabinet to a counter or plates

and silverware to the table.

Utensils: Look for peelers, knives and other utensils with larger,

rubberized handles. Specially designed kitchen knives with large

handles can make food preparation safer. Cutting boards with spikes

in the center to hold a fruit or vegetable in place may also help.

Grab bars: Install these in your shower or tub to help you get in and

out.

Bath bench: A special seat inserted in your tub allows you to sit

down while bathing. If you have a walk-in shower, consider a fold-

down seat that attaches to the wall.

Foam tubing: Put foam tubing, available at hardware stores, around

your toothbrush and hairbrush handles to make them easier to grasp.

Bedrail: A sturdy bedrail, available at medical supply stores, can

make it easier to get in and out of bed by giving you something to

hang on to. A high, firm bed is easier to get out of than a lower,

softer one.

Zipper ring: Loop a key ring through your zipper to make it easier to

grip and give you more leverage.

Buttonhook: This gadget eliminates fumbling with buttons. Slip the

hook through your buttonhole, catch the button and pull it back

through.

Long-handled shoehorn: A shoehorn that's at least 18 inches in length

can greatly ease the task of getting your shoes on without bending

over.

The tools and tips here are a small sample of what's available. An

occupational therapist can do a customized assessment of your needs

and make recommendations. Ask a doctor or local hospital for a

referral.

Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayo.edu/news